Community Guide
Downtown Knoxville seeing a lot of shaking going on developmentally
Virtually every historic building along Knoxville's downtown Gay Street now is occupied, under renovation or has a plan to be soon.
And good luck finding a quick table at a restaurant on a weekend.
Most of the projects that market observers would base the area's growing sense of resurgence on actually are plans still in the making - a new, multiplex theater, renovated retail spaces and more than a half-dozen sites for condominium developments.
Still, downtown's progress in 2005 made the strongest case yet for what it could become.
Farragut carving out reputation for quality living
Although the community had been there for years, the people of Farragut voted to incorporate in 1980, mainly so they could have a voice in how their area was developed.
The town of Farragut quickly became known for its stringent building regulations intended to give both residential and commercial structures a uniform look.
South Knoxville: Bridging different worlds
By cooper | 3:41 pm, 08/27/2007You could say South Knoxville bridges different worlds. Several bridges connect the community to downtown and the University of Tennessee.
There are also many facets of South Knoxville, including two hospitals, a nature center, greenways, dogwood trails, student apartments, old farmsteads, and Island Home Airport with one runway.
Historic landmarks, graceful neighborhoods flavor East Knoxville
By cooper | 3:37 pm, 08/27/2007East Knoxville is a gumbo of parks, ethnic restaurants, historical sites, old architecture, rooted businesses and tributes to Knoxville’s African-American heritage.
The Knoxville Zoo perches near Chilhowee Park – longtime home of the Tennessee Valley Fair and a place with fond memories for generations of residents.
Magnolia Avenue, paralleling Chilhowee Park, is a nostalgic strip through East Knoxville. Ghosts of drive-in restaurants, Blue Circle, Krispy Kreme and roller coasters from the fairgrounds linger in the memory of Knoxvillians.
Powell among fastest growing suburbs
By cooper | 3:30 pm, 08/27/2007The Knoxville suburb of Powell has been a high-growth location in recent years. Business has boomed at the intersection of Clinton Highway and Schaad Road, with retailers and restaurants flocking in.
They join a core of homegrown businesses anchored in Powell, such as DeRoyal Industries, Travis Meats and Weigel’s Farm Stores.
Residential growth is vibrant also. The community had the fourth-highest number of homes in the Knoxville area built in 2005.
West Knoxville mixes neighborhoods, shopping areas, greenways
By cooper | 3:25 pm, 08/27/2007In the 1950s, West Hills was sparsely populated, with a waiting list for telephone service. Fields lay between the homes and Kingston Pike, because there was not yet an interstate between them.
Until West Town Mall came along in the early 1970s, the property there contained woods and a fire station.
Walker Springs Road was still considered country; Farragut, even more so.
Now West Knoxville has sprawled beyond Cedar Bluff. Some would say the boundaries reach Concord and Farragut.
Lake, Litton’s top landmarks in friendly Fountain City
By cooper | 3:18 pm, 08/27/2007A 2005 News Sentinel poll named Fountain City as Knoxville’s best neighborhood. Residents say it’s a comfortable place that just feels like home.
With its quiet neighborhoods, older houses and wide sidewalks, Fountain City even feels a little bit like Mayberry.
You notice the friendly, family atmosphere throughout Fountain City, whether at Fountain City Lake or Litton’s Market and Restaurant. Both are beloved landmarks.
Named for a large fountain at its center, the North Knoxville community has a population of about 20,000.
Halls: At a Crossroads
By staff | 9:53 am, 08/22/2007Halls is a pastoral community in North Knox County, a high-growth location that ranks among the area’s 10 wealthiest ZIP codes.
The community’s annual median household income of approximately $58,000 is third highest in the Knoxville area. One-third of the household incomes are above $75,000.
With that kind of base, business analysts say Halls can support commercial and residential development. And that’s happening. New high-end subdivisions in the area include Timberlake and the adjoining Harbor Cove at Timberlake.
Sequoyah Hills: Community honors its Cherokee heritage
By staff | 9:17 am, 07/26/2007Sequoyah Hills is a graceful old neighborhood near the University of Tennessee and downtown Knoxville. It’s tucked into a bend of the Tennessee River between Kingston Pike and Cherokee Boulevard.
The city annexed Sequoyah Hills in 1917. Today, the area is home to millionaires, college students and everyone in between. They live in mansions, bungalows, condominiums, townhouses and apartments.
Among the doctors, lawyers, professors, writers, artists and musicians, notable residents have included Sen. Howard Baker Jr., Alex Haley and Patricia Neal.
